Wednesday, 30 January 2013

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

For some time I’ve had a growing uneasiness
as I consider people's various responses to the changes facing Methodism and the direction of travel we have embarked on. Not, I
hasten to add, because of my own personal opinions on the rights or wrongs of
any recent decisions made by conference or proposed by the leadership. I
genuinely believe this uneasiness is being used by God to provoke me to exhort
us all to pray fervently for one another.

My concern comes from the polarisation of
views and opinions that have been so readily given, and at times the tone in
which that has happened. When division is apparent in the Church, a new, more
prayerful path should be sought. In no way do I suggest that the path we are on
is wrong – what I do suggest is that despite differing views we join together
in praying that God will continually lead us. Heated debate and letters show
the depth of feeling, hurt and even fear that many are feeling when considering
the future of the Methodist Church. Regardless of our own opinions, can we not
set aside time to pray with one another?

So then let us pray, and in particular I
exhort you to pray in groups. As Ash Wednesday quickly approaches, let us take
and create every opportunity to gather with those around us to pray on that
day. Asking God to help us dig deep into the DNA of our Methodist roots and
rediscover our mission and passion. Praying also that we will be shown a godly
path…a path free from dispute but not discussion, a path free from incriminations
and flavoured with love and respect for our sisters and brothers (Colossians 4:
2-6).

So on Ash Wednesday I will be inviting others
from my locality to join with me in prayer. Would you please consider doing the
same?

We, too, shall be praying at our meditative Rainbow Service on Ash Wednesday afternoon in the village of Draycott-in-the-Clay near Uttoxeter. Thank you for stirring us to action.May God continue to bless you.Stella

Hi Elaine, I will join you in prayer for our church. Prayer must be the foundation for our future. We are the Body of Christ here on earth, we must stay united to serve him despite differing opinions. Bless you for the call to prayer. Fran Lane

Elaine, Plymouth Methodist Central Hall staff will be praying at 9am, I will be praying lunch time in the prayer chapel (others invited) and we will include prayers in Ash Weds evening service. The nation needs a strong church... Dave

Buckley & Deeside (North Wales) will be praying at three '8two8'events during the day, beginning with a prayer breakfast. Thank you Elaine for giving us the impetus to get on our knees (if only metaphorically). Rosemarie Clarke

Bless you.....so delighted that people are responding positively to this, both on this forum and via email. Hearing from lots of people who are opening churches & homes & inviting people to join them in prayer. Our hope is in Christ.

Thanks for inspiring and provoking so many of us, Elaine. We're holding a prayer gathering at Marlow Methodist Church this afternoon at 1.30pm leading into our Wednesday fellowship based on Luke 9:51-62 - and our Wednesday small group will join in this evening...

Elaine,Thanks for this. I have had a prayer burden for the changes in learning and development too, and personally I have two prayers I keep praying;Firstly that I am able to remain non-bitter about changes to my own role, and that I can be constructive in my dealings with all involved. And secondly my prayers are for the D&M team who are having to implement the conference decision. Of course if I had thought about it I would know that others are praying too, but I hadn't stopped and thought about it, so thank you very much for putting this out there and giving us opportunity to know that we are part of a community of pray-ers.Love to you ElaineAlison